Fred I. Kent 3d and Andrew G. Schwartz (Op-Ed, June 6) argue that street vendors in New York should be encouraged because the decline of street-level coffee shops, bars and cafeterias has made a quick, cheap lunch hard to find in parts of Manhattan. But these establishments have largely been replaced by fast-food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and Pizza Hut, which have locations all over Manhattan. Moreover, many delis and grocery stores feature takeout salad bars and sandwiches.

Street vendors may be an asset to New York, but they are hardly the only purveyors of quick, cheap lunches.